Gather and nest

Home & Lifestyle musings

Christie Raju Christie Raju

Surface Style: The Collected Coffee Table

The coffee table is often the heart of the living room — a gathering point for conversations, quiet mornings, and cozy evenings. It’s also one of the easiest places to express your personal style. Whether you're drawn to clean lines and neutrals or love a more lived-in, layered feel, the beauty of a well-styled coffee table lies in the mix.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Lemon Silk Custard

There’s a quiet beauty in simple, thoughtfully crafted desserts — and Lemon Silk Custard captures it with every spoonful. Lightly sweetened with raw honey, brightened by fresh lemon, and finished with a delicate dusting of lavender, each custard feels like a small celebration. Naturally free of refined sugar and dairy, it’s a lighter, cleaner take on a classic, offering a beautiful balance of flavor and elegance without compromise.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

The Spring Welcome Edit

There’s something so special about the entrance to a home. It’s the first thing you see, the first impression you make, and—when styled with intention—it becomes a warm invitation to slow down, step inside, and exhale. This season, I refreshed our exterior entry with a few simple touches that reflect the shift into spring. Nothing overdone—just thoughtful layers that say, "You’re home."

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Finishing Touches: The Power of Scent

Scent is one of the most powerful and overlooked design elements. It’s invisible, but unforgettable. The right fragrance can set the mood, calm the mind, and instantly make a space feel like home. And just like lighting or textiles, scent layers into your environment to create an experience—one that lingers long after the moment passes.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Style Steals: The Under $120 Edit

There’s something incredibly satisfying about finding the perfect piece for your home and knowing you scored it for under $120. That’s what this edit is all about: a curated collection of charming, high-style finds that prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to elevate your space.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Backyard Fun + A Southern Kick Pimento Dip

I’ve never been one for sports, but I do love a good tradition—and any excuse to host. In honor of the Masters, we created a simple backyard putt-putt course using old terracotta pots and a little creativity. It was effortless, charming, and just the kind of slow weekend moment I live for. Naturally, no gathering is complete without something delicious on the table. Enter: my Southern Kick Pimento Dip—a bold, creamy, just-spicy-enough twist on a Southern staple.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Embrace the Fisherman Aesthetic: A Coastal-Inspired Interior Trend

The Fisherman Aesthetic is a timeless design style that beautifully captures the essence of coastal living. Inspired by the simplicity and charm of coastal fishermen's lives, this aesthetic brings a relaxed, rustic vibe that pairs well with natural elements, earthy tones, and functional, lived-in spaces. Whether you're lucky enough to live near the water or just want to bring a bit of coastal charm into your home, the Fisherman Aesthetic offers a perfect balance of rugged simplicity and effortless elegance.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Inside My Kitchen: Shop My Favorite Pieces

One of the most common questions I get is, “Where do you find the decor and details in your kitchen?” While many of the pieces were thoughtfully selected by my designer and include vintage or antique finds, I’ve curated a collection of nearly identical pieces—plus some of my exact favorites—so you can bring the same warmth and character into your own home.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

The Spring Home Refresh: Curating Nature-Inspired Luxuries for Every Space

Spring is a season of renewal—a time to refresh not just our routines but the spaces we call home. As the air turns warmer and the days grow longer, there’s an undeniable urge to lighten, brighten, and bring a sense of calm into every corner. The Spring Refresh isn’tjust a seasonal update; it’s about curating an environment that mirrors the fresh, rejuvenating energy of spring. With soft greens, crisp whites, and organic textures, this collection blends effortless elegance with nature’s beauty.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Why I Don’t Claim to Be a Designer (And What I Offer Instead)

If you’ve ever wondered if I’m a designer, you’re not alone. It’s a question I get often, and the answer is simple: I’m not a designer. I know it’s easy to confuse the two, but I want to take a moment to explain what sets my services apart and why that’s something I’m proud of.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: Thoughtful & Stylish Finds for the Women You Love

Celebrate the women in your life with a curated selection of meaningful, stylish gifts this Valentine’s Day. Whether it's a cozy indulgence, a chic accessory, or a home decor item that adds a personal touch, each piece is designed to bring joy and show appreciation. Find the perfect way to express your love and gratitude with thoughtful gifts that make her feel truly special.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

The Self-Care Edit: My Favorite Products for Creating a Relaxing Ritual

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks—it’s about creating a space that invites relaxation, rejuvenation, and peace of mind. Whether you're unwinding after a long day or setting the tone for a calm morning, the right products can elevate your self-care routine. Here’s my curated list of self-care essentials that I absolutely love and use to make every moment of relaxation feel luxurious.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

The Perfect Pair: Blueberry Muffins and Madeleines

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked treats filling your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast option or an elegant sweet to serve with afternoon tea, these two recipes have you covered. Fluffy, bursting-with-flavor Blueberry Muffins and delicate, buttery Madeleines are the perfect duo for any occasion.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Transform Your Home with These 5 Simple Organization Hacks

A clutter-free, organized home doesn’t just look better—it feels better too. The good news? Transforming your space doesn’t require a massive overhaul or a professional organizer. With the right tools and a few clever hacks, you can make your home more functional and serene. Here are five simple organization hacks using Amazon products that will help you achieve a tidy, stress-free space.

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Ultimate Coffee Table Books

There’s something undeniably inviting about a well-curated coffee table. It’s more than just a surface—it’s a centerpiece that reflects your personality, interests, and style. And no coffee table is complete without the perfect stack of books. These aren’t just books—they’re conversation starters, pieces of art, and reflections of what inspires you.

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In My Hosting Era

Welcome to 2025, the year I’m fully embracing home life and hosting. Inspired by Ina Garten’s iconic approach to life and cooking, binge-watching Nancy Meyers movies, and baking like Martha Stewart, I’ve decided to make hosting a central part of my life. To kick things off, I hosted a cozy New Year’s Eve gathering at our new home—a pajama party with surf and turf on the menu and a playful nod to the "surf" theme with seashell-shaped cookies.

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How These 5 Products Are Taking Our Home to the Next Level

As I continue to fine-tune our space and make it truly feel like home, I’ve been adding thoughtful touches to elevate the style and function of our everyday living. Whether it's enhancing curb appeal, upgrading fixtures, or finding functional yet beautiful accessories, these recent finds have made all the difference in our home.

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My Biggest Custom Build Regret

Embarking on the exciting journey of building a custom home has been a rewarding yet challenging experience. One significant decision that influenced our project was opting to work with in-house designers provided by our builder's company instead of hiring a designer whose tastes aligned more closely with ours.

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Choosing the Perfect Color palette for Your Home Exterior

Selecting paint colors for the home has always been a challenging endeavor for me. The way paint appears can be utterly capricious, shifting with every beam of light that graces it. Online color swatches often fall short of capturing their true essence, leaving me feeling perplexed amidst the endless choices.

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Creating a Bathroom Oasis

When it comes to crafting the perfect bathroom, every detail matters. From the fixtures you choose to the materials that grace your space, every decision plays a pivotal role in creating a luxurious, functional, and aesthetically pleasing oasis.

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